The New Orleans Saints have plenty of roster concerns for their future. An issue that has plagued them this season and looms for years down the road is on special teams, though. Kicker Blake Grupe showed improvement last season, but he has struggled massively this season. His inconsistency is gleaming, and his latest mistake in Week 12 may push New Orleans to make a move.
Kicker Blake Grupe continues to struggle against Falcons
In the first quarter, following a huge return on a kickoff, Grupe missed a 38-yard field goal. That mistake heavily swung the momentum back in Atlanta’s favor. It seemed like New Orleans had a bit of a jump before the miss, but that quickly disappeared after another frustrating failure to convert for Grupe. After a solid drive just ahead of halftime, Grupe then missed another attempt. In a game that should/could have been tied at 13, the Saints trailed 13-7.
Grupe is 17-25 on field goal attempts this year. That rate is amongst the worst in the entire NFL.
Charlie Smyth is on the Saints practice squad. He has a massive leg but hasn’t gotten a true chance to kick in NFL games so far. New Orleans needs to look elsewhere because Grupe doesn’t seem like the long-term answer as the Saints boots.
Even after some recent confidence in Grupe shown by the coaching staff, you have to begin to hold him accountable. He’s not getting the job done, so look elsewhere for your future kicker. He may even already be in the building.
#Saints ST Coordinator Phil Galiano on sticking with Blake Grupe through early struggles.
Noted that every player goes through rough patches and teams gave up on players like QBs Sam Darnold, Daniel Jones and Baker Mayfield too soon.
